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Think comfort created with classics. Paris is an exceptionally pedestrian-friendly city, so visitors are sure to log considerable mileage on foot. While casual attire and footwear is completely acceptable for sightseeing in Paris, Europeans in general, and Parisians in particular, have a stronger sense of style and fit than found in many American cities. Other than restaurants and evening spots with a dress code, no one will take exception in summer to mom jeans, baseball caps and Hawaiian shirts, but be aware that these items clearly spell out "tourist" in Paris.

Answers to Paris Weather Questions

Paris has four distinct seasons and a climate that's comparable to New York City. According to the World Meteorological Organization, the average year-round temperature in Paris is 54 degrees F. (New York City's is 55 degrees F.) There are key differences. Temperature highs in summer and lows in winter are less extreme in Paris than in New York. The French city receives less precipitation and less sunshine, although sunset doesn't occur until 10 p.m. at the height of summer solstice. Unlike New York, snow in Paris is an infrequent occurrence, rarely amounting to any accumulation whatsoever. Spring and fall are the best months for enjoying the city out-of-doors, keeping in mind that rain can fall on any given day throughout the seasons. And despite the song, April in Paris isn't as warm as one might think.

Women in Comfortable, Elegant, Basic Items

For simplicity, wear groups of colors and subtly patterned prints or stripes that can be easily mixed and matched. Black is always a top choice for a smart urban look in slacks, skirts and simple little black dresses for evening. Pair these with blouses, tailored shirts and cotton and knit tops that resist wrinkles. Layer with solid-colored cardigans and pullovers that can be conveniently tied across the shoulders, always a classier look than tied around the waist. A trench, blazer or jacket is a workhorse of the Paris wardrobe in spring and fall; a heavier wool coat for winter. Accessories such as a good leather bag and silk scarves are a hallmark of the stylish Parisienne. Most important, wearing flats, wedges, espadrilles and other stylish yet comfortable shoes are a must for city sightseeing.

Men Go for Fashion and Fit

For men in Paris, it's all about quality fabrics and fit, plus the right shoes. Leave bulky clothing items at home to achieve double rewards: more space in the suitcase and a more fashionable silhouette. Good-fitting dark jeans are fine. Pair them with fitted T-shirts and long-sleeved collared shirts worn tucked in or out, perhaps with a cotton or cashmere sweater. A blazer or tailored suit jacket worn over a v-neck T-shirt or lightweight pullover is a great look for Paris. The best colors are neutrals, black and a deep navy, plus a brown leather jacket. Keep the feet happy wandering through Paris arrondissements in Chuck Taylor Converse sneakers, chukka boots, slip-on loafers and driving shoes. Finish with a European looped scarf to get the Paris look and to ward off an evening chill after sunset.

Fewer Pieces, Better Quality

With the majority of days being neither too hot nor too cold, Paris lends itself to flexible, fashionable dressing. Take fewer pieces of better quality to wear as layers during the course of the day. A tote bag will come in handy to carry a folding umbrella, an extra sweater, or even a change of shoes for tired feet. Shorts are better suited to the south of France, except on a handful of brutally hot days that seem to come along every few summers in Paris.

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About the Author

Based in San Francisco, Laurie Jo Miller Farr is career-long destination and hotel marketing specialist. She contributes to CBS Travel, Where, Frommers, Foodie Travel USA and We Blog the World. She is editor of The Travel Vertical, a weekly newsletter for digital travel marketers. A former tourism director for NYC, Laurie Jo is a dual UK/US citizen who covered the 2012 London Olympics for "Best of Britain" and received the 2013 Yahoo Contributor of the Year Award.

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